Rafael David Mendez

Rafael D. Mendez, 76, of Topeka, passed away Monday, November 2, 2015 at his home. He was born on October 14, 1939 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Rafael C. and Jennie (Olivarez) Mendez. Rafael worked for Hills Pet Foods for over 20 years as a Machine Operator, retiring as a Warehouseman. He was passionate about bird hunting and enjoyed his time at the gun club shooting clay pigeons, training his hunting dogs, tending to his lawn and fruit trees, and working on cars. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles. Rafael married Lavada King and they later divorced. He was married to Mae Belle Day on March 28, 1969. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, Anita Mendez, David Mendez and Chad Mendez all of Topeka and his siblings, Rita Ramirez of Topeka, twins, Juanita (Roger) Wilson and John (Carol) Mendez all of Topeka, Michael Mendez of Albuquerque, NM, Richard Mendez of Topeka and Virginia "Gina" Mendez of Topeka, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Baby Mae Elena Mendez. Rafael will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends until 8:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 9, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.